Sep 29, 2012

It should also be considered offensive to name alcohol after Native Peoples and Leaders. Carib and Hatuey Beer, Old Kaie Rum are some examples in the Caribbean. Does anyone think of naming a beer after Churchill or Lincoln? or a wine after De Gaulle?

Proud Decade for Saintsby: Ras Abdalla Tafari WadadaIt is arguably the period that best underlined the rich football pedigree of St. Stanislaus College - the 70sThe decade was graced with football success yet to be matched and more importantly, a number of significant changes, if not historical were made to one of Guyana's elite high schools, owned and controlled by the Catholic Church since 1867. New opportunities were added to the school's curriculum - Agriculture Science and a Farm, a Technical Workshop catering for Masonry, Carpentry, Metal Works, and Technical Drawing; a Steel Band comprised of students and the admission of females to the previously All-Boys school. More importantly, the then Principal, Fr. Kenneth Khan, a past student, was removed in 1980 from the position he had held since 1972. Fr. Khan was very supportive of our footballing efforts, if not proud of the achievements.During the various transformations at St. Stanislaus in the 70s a number of football talents proved their abilities and worth to the extent that the College fielded an Under-16 team in the Georgetown inter-club tournaments and performed admirably. The high-point year must be 1975 when there was double delight - winning the Georgetown Inter-High Schools and the inaugural Caricom Day seven-a side tournament. The "Magnificent Seven" that prevailed on July 7th from among the 20 club teams from the City was led by Michael Barrington and included Paul Correia, Stevewright Benjamin, Wayne Austin, Mark Rodrigues, Stephen Boodhoo, and "Player of the Tournament" Redvers 'Bertie' Lampkin.It was less than four months before that Saints had triumphed 1-0 over Chatam High School in a final replay to stamp their authority and superiority among the high schools to capture the John Fernandes Cup. In the latter half of the 70s, Saints not only provided a suitable venue for inter-schools football, but also lots of players to the Georgetown District Junior and Senior Teams playing in the Guyana Teachers Association annual inter-branch tournaments. Goalkeepers Chris Woodroofe, Owen Wilkinson, Nigel Hughes, Luke Abraham, and Steve Benjamin all represented the City as well as Peter Correia, Robert Scotland, James Henry, Mark Da Silva, and yours truly.The climaxing of the decade reached unprecedented heights when both the Junior and Senior teams qualified for Georgetown inter-schools finals in 1979. Only South Georgetown Secondary who did likewise in 1976, can also boast of such an enviable record.The Senior Team of '79 was blessed with the guidance and direction of former students Wayne 'Beamah' Austin and Malcolm Barrington. The journey to Championship began in a spirit of unity, and training sessions were well attended. The team had a touch of international flavour with the likes of James Henry (England) and Edmundo Vallenas (Peru) who both played for the Junior Team as well, and Antiguan Robert Scotland who was named "Footballer of the Year" 1979.

Made perfect thus in little space,God called thee to his long embrace,Before the mists of earth could throw,a shadow on thy robe snow.Guide from thy throne.....

Fr. Clement Barraud.

Significant Dates in the History of St.Stanislaus College

* May 1st,1866- Catholic Grammar School started* November 3rd 1866- School moved to Main Street premises* 1868or 69- School moved to Waterloo Street* 1871- School returned to Cathedral Presbytery* 1871- Boarders introduced* 1878- School temporarily closed* 1880- School re-opened* 1897- School moved to site of St. Mary's School, Brickdam* 1907- School moved to present Brickdam site* 1907- Name changed from'Catholic Grammar School' to " Saint Stanislaus College"* 1928- Weld Wing opened* 1942- College Association formed* 1952- Scannell Wing opened* 1966- College celebrates 100th Anniversary* 1972- Hopkinson Wing opened* 1974- Workshop built* 1975- College Farm opened* 1975- Collge becomes co-educational* 1976- College becomes a Govenment School* 1980- College ceases to be run by the Jesuits* 1991- College celebrates 125th anniversary* October 2004 - Board of Govern0rs appointed